Knowing
William would soon be reaching Limerick, the Irish set about strengthening
the defenses of the city's strategic points around the walls of
Irish Town. John's Gate was particularly well defended, having
a strong point known as the Citadel immediately to the north of
the gatehouse, and two forts in close proximity to guard against
any approaches. As William's advanced guards were nearing Limerick
on 8 August Tyrconnell withdrew to Galway to join Lauzun, taking
three regiments guarding the fords with him.
As
William's forces approached Limerick, Irish scouts attacked them.
Following the scout's retreat to Irish Town, William found he
was too close when the Irish guns opened fire with a lively cannonade.
Having established his camp a safe distance from the city's guns,
William sent a trumpeter to summon the Irish garrison to surrender.
With an Irish garrison of about 15,000, and a small force of cavalry
inside the city walls, the Jacobites refused.
William's
forces were now 25,000 after leaving troops to guard many of the
towns captured since the Boyne. With his siege train of large
artillery still a few days journey behind him and 12,000 less
troops, William decided to concentrate his attack on the Irish
Town.
The
Williamite infantry began preparations for the siege while word
was sent to hurry the siege train. A deserter made his way into
Limerick and disclosed the location of William's armament to his
enemies. Sarsfield acted quickly and set out with 500 cavalry
to intercept the guns and destroy them at Ballyneety, about two
miles southwest of Oola, County Tipperary.
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